February Bayou State Book Talk: Todd Mouton

Join author Todd Mouton for a lively discussion of his new book "Way Down in Louisiana: Clifton Chenier, Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop Music" on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, beginning at 6:30pm at the Downtown Lafayette Public Library.

About the book: This book is about the mysteries of the soul--and the magic born when you make music from your heart. With Clifton Chenier's amazing life and career as the centerpiece, this collection of profiles, complete with 130 photographs, gathered across two decades unites some of the world's most innovative creative forces.

The propulsive, soulful sounds of Buckwheat Zydeco, the virtuosic blues-rock of Sonny Landreth, and the accordion-and-fiddle-driven bayou backbeat of BeauSoleil were all birthed in Cajun and Creole country, a place where tradition and innovation rub against one another from the kitchen to the festival stage.

Singer-songwriter, poet, and activist Zachary Richard; traditionalists-turned-innovators Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys; and cross-genre artists Roddie Romero & The Hub City All-Stars are among the many gifted players spearheading their cultures' ongoing reinventions. In words, images, and music, the lives of these artists and culture-bearers speak volumes about the power of identity, influence, perserverance, and triumph. From Lil' Band O' Gold to Bonsoir, Catin and beyond, these artists make music that resonates in the hearts of listeners everywhere.

About the author: Todd Mouton has worked for more than twenty years as a writer, non-profit arts executive, and producer of concerts, events, records, and radio programs. Mouton and his work have received a Louisiana Governor's Arts Award and recognition from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. He's widely known as a passionate advocate for the artists and cultures of his home state.

Authors will have books available for purchase and signing. For more information please call 337.482.6027 or email clspresents@louisiana.edu.

Bayou State Book Talks is a monthly discussion series led by authors from Louisiana who have written books that are of interest to Louisianians. The free series is co-sponsored by the Center for Louisiana Studies, UL Lafayette, and the Lafayette Public Library System. Talks are held at the Main Library on the second Tuesday of the month during the school year and begin at 6:30pm at the Main Library, 301 W. Congress, Downtown Lafayette.